NEWCOMERS Yamba Breakers gave defending HIT105.5 Premier League champions Northern Storm an early scare before succumbing to a ruthless second-half blitz in Saturday’s preseason friendly.
The Breakers, in their debut season in top-flight football, showed plenty of promise in the opening twenty minutes, being well organised, playing compactly and carving out several chances on the counter attack.
But the Storm’s class ultimately shone through as the hosts flexed their championship muscle with three unanswered goals after the break.
Teenage sensation Mark McCarthy ignited the onslaught, the 17-year-old rising above his marker to glance a perfectly weighted header into the bottom corner.
James Tial doubled the lead, reacting quickest to a teasing Tom Sweeney cross that sparked chaos in the penalty area.
The livewire midfielder then put the result beyond doubt in stunning fashion, unleashing a 25-yard thunderbolt to cap off a commanding 3-0 victory.
The win comes hot on the heels of Storm’s fifth-round triumph over Port Macquarie Saints by the same scoreline, marking an historic moment for the club as they advance to the sixth round of the Australia Cup for the first time. A blockbuster showdown with Newcastle opposition now awaits on 7 June.
Despite the flying start, Storm coach Craig Caruana is keeping a level head.
“We’ve been training since January, and the squad is coming along really well,” Caruana said.
“We’re getting 40 players to training, which is great for depth and competition for spots.”
“Reaching the sixth round of the Australia Cup is a club record, but we need to be realistic, this is still preseason, and we haven’t kicked a ball in the Premier League yet.
“With some teams getting stronger, I’m expecting a really competitive season ahead which we are relishing.”
The result sets the stage for an expanded HIT105.5 Premier League in 2025, with the men’s competition growing to 10 teams and the women’s league expanding to six.
The season kicks off on Friday, 4 April for the Women’s Premier League, with the men’s competition getting underway the following day.
The Northern Storm kick off their campaign against crosstown rivals Coffs Coast Tigers on 5 April at 5pm at Polwarth Drive.
By David WIGLEY
